Career in Space Science and Technology

Career in Space Science and technology broadly includes astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheres and aeronomy, earth sciences, and solar system studies. Careers in space science may include working on a technology to map a distant planet or the space. Space scientists help to make new discoveries about our solar system, the galaxy, exploring of the space, etc. or using study pollution on earth. They might be connecting the world’s most remote communities or helping in disaster management, communication, satellite building, etc.

Expected Skills for Career in Space Science and Technology

A high level of fitness and the right mental attitude to spend long periods of time in space.

Nature of Work

Space scientists work in a multidisciplinary field which includes people from various streams. Most of the space scientists are from core engineering branches such as mechanical, electrical, etc. Engineers from mechanical and materials stream develop the hardware and devices required for space science and exploration. Similarly, Electronic or systems engineers get involved in developing the ‘software’ needed to run this equipment and ensure that it is functioning properly. Space Scientists with mathematics background can also play a vital role as they are involved in the analysis of the large amounts of data produced by space instruments and in calculating the orbits of space vehicles. Astronomers help in building or using telescopes that are launched into space to study the universe by measuring the infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray light. Among the few of the researchers like climatologists, atmospheric scientists, meteorologists , geology and geophysists, ecologists, etc. also contribute significantly in space technology and science. In brief, a career in space science or technology mostly take place on the ground; only a relatively small number of people actually get the opportunity to leave the planet for the limitless boundaries of space for exploration. The mission would not have been possible for each astronaut who makes it to space, there are thousands of support people in the earth without whose skills, knowledge and efforts.

How to get into career in space science and technology?

If you desire to make your career in space science and technology, passing +2 or equivalent exam from any state board or CBSE with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics is a minimum requirement. You can pursue your Bachelors degree in these subjects or space technology / space science offered by Indian Institute of Space Technology, under Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Career in Space Science and Technology – Job profile of Space scientists:

In a career in space science and technology, after the post graduation, they can work as faculty at universities, pursue independent research, publish papers, guide research students, teach classes, sit on academic committees, referee papers for publication, and write proposals to fund their research.

Astronomers/astrophysicists: They work in government/national observatories, space research agencies, planetariums, science museums, and may also work in mass media and science communication.

In government and institutions such as Indian Space Research Organisation and DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation).

Astronomers: They may be employed by organisations and companies to design and manufacture telescopes, write software, and do many other tasks in support of space laboratories/ missions, ground-based observatories and data processing and analysis.

To find Job Opportunities in career in space science and technology, you may visit following websites:

All the jobs sometimes are for positions working directly in space science, or performing services for companies that specialize in providing goods and services for the aerospace industry. The postings are available for job opportunities in the space, aerospace, and defense industries. Besides, opportunities are also available for Communications Technicians, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Operators, Drafters, Electricians, Laser Technicians, Quality Assurance Specialists, Radar Technicians, Robotic Technicians and Satellite Technologists.

Here are some programmes offered by Indian Institute of Space Technology